Elon Musk’s Starlink wifi arrives on Qatar Airways Boeing 777
The Middle Eastern airline is bringing the high speed internet service onboard
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Qatar Airways aircraft has taken off with free high-speed internet for passengers to stream, game and work in a new partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
The airline and Musk launched the first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 on a Tuesday (22 October) flight from Doha to London.
Starlink is engineered and operated by Musk’s SpaceX and uses some 6,000 advanced satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide, including at 35,000ft.
Qatar Airways is the first airline in the Middle East to offer Starlink to passengers with internet that operates “from gate to gate”.
The new Starlink-connected aircraft will be available to passengers on select Qatar Airways routes as the airline plans to deliver 12 Boeing 777-300s equipped with the internet service by the end of 2024.
In 2025, the national carrier aims to install the technology on its entire Boeing 777 fleet and Airbus A350 fleet.
Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are thrilled to launch our first Starlink-equipped flight, proving once again why Qatar Airways is at the forefront of the aviation industry.
“This milestone, paired with our commitment to rapidly roll out Starlink across our entire modern fleet, demonstrates our relentless pursuit of offering passengers an in-flight experience that transcends the constraints of traditional air travel.
“By providing Starlink reliable, seamless internet on board, we are connecting people to the things they love the most even at 35,000 feet, making every journey with us a memorable one.”
To mark the departure of Qatar Airways’ first Starlink-equipped commercial flight SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk joined Mr Al Meer in the cabin via video call using the “fastest WiFi in the sky”.
“Over time you’ll find it just gets better and better. This is the minimum and it only gets better from here,” said Musk.
For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments